Bitter/Sweet: Stimulating Human History With Caffeine and Sugar

Catalog description

This course will introduce students to the chemistry, biochemistry, and history of natural stimulants such as caffeine and sugar. Caffeine or related compounds are found in tea, coffee and cacao; sugar (sucrose) is produced in sugar cane and sugar beet. Physiological responses in humans to these stimulants will be studied, including metabolism and addiction. The historical uses of these plant products will be explored, leading to investigations of the social, political, and economic effects of changes in their production, consumption, and trade. Does not carry chemistry major or minor credit. Fulfills Core Requiremen(s):Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS)and Diversity (DIV).